Earth and other unlikely worlds

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Deflector Shield

Here's a handy gadget that all spaceships will need: 'a system no bigger than a large desk that uses the same energy as an electric kettle' to deflect those pesky high-energy ions from solar flares that make manned spaceflights so hazardous. Invented by British scientists, who no doubt are now devising away to use the energy of cosmic rays to make tea.

What's crucial is that in those days, society saw no gulf between the artist and the scientist. This point is important one. It makes it clear that CP Snow's assertion - that society is split into two basic irreconcilable cultures, science and the arts - lacks any pedigree and is, indeed, most likely a false dichotomy. As Holmes makes clear, 200 years ago, poets, writers and scientist shared a common vision of Nature. There is no reason why they should not do so again.

About Me

I'm the author of more than twenty books, including novels, short story collections and a film monograph. My latest novel is Austral.
Some of my fiction and nonfiction is archived on my web site.
If you would like to contact me, details are here.